The good news for Toyota Tercel owners is that, while Toyota is no longer producing the said automobile, the automotive market is still flooded with quality Toyota Tercel parts which you can use to restore or enhance your ride's performance and appearance. From accessories to auto system replacements, you can always find superb Tercel Parts from different auto parts providers. These parts are as solid and as dependable as your Tercel model and they will make your vehicle perform excellently for long years. Only quality and perfect-fit Toyota Tercel parts can help increase your car's resale or trade-in value. They can also keep it looking and performing like new. To ensure you get only the right Toyota parts for your vehicle Tercel, check your owner's manual for part compatibility.

Toyota Tercel

The Toyota Tercel (derived from a Latin term meaning "one third) was a gas-sipping sub compact manufactured for 21 years between 1978 and 1999. It was Toyota's first front-wheel drive model, and the layout and frame used was later shared by many other Toyota models. In addition, Toyota engineers came up with an entirely new motor, known as the "A" engine. This inline four gasoline engine featured a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head. Designed as a replacement for the previous "K" engine that had pushrods and two valves per cylinder, the A series had dual overhead cams and sixteen valves. The result was a more fuel efficient, less polluting motor.

Although the first Tercel rolled off the assembly line in the Japanese city that bears the company's name in 1978, it didn't make it into U.S. dealer showrooms until two years later. By then, Toyota had upgraded the engine from 74 horsepower to 83. Interestingly, although it was a front-wheel drive vehicle, the Tercel's engine was mounted longitudinally. However, the transmission, which had a ring and pinion gear, was mounted below the engine, with half shafts extending to the front drive wheels.

In 1987, the Tercel grew in size, and the engine was replaced with a 12 valve model had featured what was known as a "variable veturi" carburetor that automatically adjust the amount of air entering the fuel mixture. Although it was intended to be an improvement, the early models had some issues. Part of this was the fuel-metering needle, which was coated with Teflon. Unfortunately, this coating was too thin and friction would cause it to wear away over time. This resulted in a mixture that was too rich (more fuel than air). Likewise, the choke mechanism, known as a compensator, was faulty, adding to the problem. As a result, the engine wound up burning more fuel than necessary.

In 1990, Toyota offered the Tercel to U.S. and Canadian markets in two configurations: a two door coupe and a four door sedan. The former was sold only in North America. Buyers could choose between a 1.5 3E-E engine (with an old-style carburetor and twelve valves) or the more powerful 5E-FE, with sixteen valves and fuel injection. In 1993, Toyota added a driver's side air bag and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.

Production of the Tercel ended in 1999, by which time the car was in its fifth generation. Over the years, Tercel owners have had virtually nothing but praise for the vehicle. The typical Tercel will travel up to 400 miles on one tank of gasoline, and it is not unusual for a Tercel to keep going strong at 350,000 miles and beyond. The vehicle is solidly built and one of the most reliable cars Toyota has ever produced.

Certain parts do wear out and require replacing over time. Sensors and the starter motor at around 100,000 is not uncommon. For the best deals on Toyota Tercel engine parts and those optional Toyota Tercel performance parts, shop online. You'll find a wide selection of Toyota Tercel parts for sale at a discount at PartsGeek.com.